Medical Care Expense Assistance

The programs provide financial assistance for Medi-Cal recipients of any age who are losing employment and have a high cost medical condition. The programs pay third party health insurance premiums for eligible applicants when doing so is more cost effective to the State than providing care under Medi-Cal coverage. This non-entitlement program is known as HIPP; there are no appeal rights. Services are restricted to residents of California.

Eligible applicants must have full scope or fee-for-service Medi-Cal or private health insurance that covers the health condition, and a high cost medical condition that requires ongoing treatment from a medical provider. Health insurance coverage must not be court-ordered. Individuals with Medicare, TRI-CARE (formerly CHAMPUS) and Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans are not eligible.

Applicants who are about to lose health insurance, must apply within 30 days of the coverage termination.